Chapter 4 Playing With Fire

• As soon as Roselyn left the room in haste, I decided to follow her, in a genuine attempt to clear up the situation. After all, our relationship at school was already tense enough; I definitely didn't want her as a sworn enemy. I almost ran down the hall, all the way to the lush staircase, intending to set the record straight and maybe, just maybe, salvage a shred of pity in her wretched heart. I caught up to her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. But, as expected, she shrugged off my touch like it burned her.
• "Roselyn, wait," I pleaded. "Can we please talk about this in private? I want to explain..." She spun around, her eyes flashing great anger and contempt.
• "Explain what, Lisa? How you and your mother are trying to weasel your way into my father's will? It's pathetic and transparent. You think he won't see through your little charade? He may be unwell, but he's not stupid."
• I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm in the face of her accusations. "You've got it all wrong. My mother and I have no interest in your father's money. We're not 'liars and opportunists,' as you so elegantly put it."
• Roselyn scoffed. "Please, spare me the theatrics. Everyone knows your family is struggling financially since forever. And now, all of a sudden, you're his long-lost daughter? It's a wonder he hasn't changed his will already."
• "You don't understand the situation," I replied, my voice rising. "And you're not even trying to. My connection to your father is a genuine attempt to help him and my mother, and I won't stand here and be accused of some scheme when all I'm trying to do is get to know him and help him fulfill his last wishes. I hoped, maybe, I could even get to know you better too."
• "Don't you dare try to play the victim here, Lisa," she spat out, her voice dripping with disdain. "You and your mother showed up out of the blue, and now you're acting like vultures, circling my father's estate. Well, I won't let you ruin him. Consider this your warning."
• With that, she turned on her heel and stormed off, leaving me standing there, seething with a mixture of frustration and amusement at her dramatic exit. Well, I thought, that went about as well as expected. I knew mending our relationship was a long shot, but I had to try. Now, it seemed, I had a new enemy, and the tension between us had escalated to new heights. I couldn't help but wonder what new dramas awaited us at school.
• Some days later, I went to Lynn's house and filled her in on the whole fiasco with Mr. Hunt and Roselyn. To say she was shocked would be an understatement, I could see the confusion and concern written all over her face.
• "Lisa, I can't believe it! You're Mr. Hunt's daughter? Why didn't you tell me sooner? We could be flying all the way to the Hamptons right now!"
• I sighed, knowing that she deserved an explanation. "Lynn, it's been a crazy few weeks. I wanted to tell you before, but with the situation being so sensitive and tense, I needed to be careful. You know how these things can get twisted and turned around at school."
• Lynn nodded, finally understanding the delicate nature of my mother's secret. "Of course, I get it. But still, this is huge! How are you feeling about it all? I mean, discovering a long-lost father and then having to deal with Roselyn's accusations must be a lot to handle."
• I took a bite of my sandwich, gathering my thoughts. "It's been overwhelming, to say the least. A part of me is excited to hear that Mr. Hunt has changed and wants to make things right. But then there's the drama with Roselyn, and I can't help but feel like we're on opposing sides of a battlefield."
• "It sounds like a classic case of sibling rivalry, even if you two aren't technically siblings," Lynn mused. "Roselyn has always been protective of her father's wealth and status. With your sudden appearance, it must have shaken her sense of security."
• I considered my friend's words, realizing that perhaps there was more to Roselyn's anger than met the eye. "Maybe you're right," I conceded. "But that still doesn't excuse her behavior. The way she lashed out at me and accused us of being gold diggers was uncalled for. My mother and I have no interest in her father's money; unless, of course, he actually wants to use some of it to support the community, as he claims."
• "That would be a good gesture, honestly. He has hurt a lot of people for the sake of wealth during his career. It's just fair for him to give back now. And Roselyn... We'll, I'm sure she'll grow fond of you sooner or later. First, you charm her with your wit, and then you go for their trust funds. It's a winning strategy."
• I couldn't help but laugh along, imagining myself as some cunning con artist targeting poor, unsuspecting rich kids. "You know me," I said, playing along. "Always looking for my next big score. Mr. Hunt's money is as good as mine, and Roselyn will just have to deal with her new 'sister' and charitable donations."
• As we laughed off the tension of the situation, I knew that the drama with Roselyn was far from over. But with Lynn by my side, I felt ready to face whatever ridiculous accusations and over-the-top theatrics Roselyn threw my way.
• A few days later, I took a DNA test, officially confirming my mother's revelation. Still, to protect our reputation and personal security, we decided to keep it a secret from the rest of the world. Mr. Hunt respected our decision and promised to be discreet too, though he was actively trying to be part of my life now.
• I started visiting him after school a few times a week. He was curious about my family and my charity work, and I found myself opening up to him about my passions and aspirations. It felt good to share these things with a potential father figure, and I could see the warmth and interest in his eyes as I spoke. I knew Roselyn would be furious if she found out, but I couldn't deny the connection I felt with Mr. Hunt, and I truly believed he wanted to make amends and help my mother and me.
• One afternoon, as I was leaving Mr. Hunt's chamber, I ran into Roselyn in the living room. She was sitting on the velvet couch, wearing a plush, mink coat. I couldn't deny her crimson hair, elegantly tied, accentuated her beauty. I tried to display a polite smile and leave, but she glared at me with pure hatred, and I braced myself for another confrontation.
• "What are you doing here?" she snapped. "Slithering your way into Father's good graces?"
• I stood my ground, looking her straight in the eye and mustering up courage. "I'm getting to know your father, Roselyn. Something you might try instead of constantly fighting and arguing with him."
• Her beautiful grey eyes narrowed, and her voice lowered dangerously. "Come again? You think you can just waltz in here and take what's mine? You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into. Mark my words, you will regret the day you decided to mess with me and my family."
• I felt a chill run down my spine then. I knew that, like a wildfire, Roselyn's anger would eventually burn itself out, but the damage it left in its wake would be devastating; and now it threatened to consume us both.